HAMILTON CO., Ill. - Illinois State Police (ISP) District 19 Commander, Captain Cory Ristvedt, announces the results of a Roadside Safety Check (RSC) held in Hamilton County from late night December 15 to early morning Dec. 16.

District 19 officers conducted the RSC at Illinois Route 14 and Illinois Route 142 in Hamilton County.

Below are the results.

ISP says alcohol and drug impairment is a factor in more than 30 percent of all fatal motor vehicle crashes in Illinois, and throughout the U.S., nearly 10,000 people die each year due to alcohol-impaired driving. RSCs are designed to keep our roads safe by taking dangerous DUI offenders off the road. This project was funded through the Illinois Department of Transportation.

GREENVILLE, Ill. - Federal inmate Michael Griesinger, 24, has been sentenced to serve 46 additional months in prison for assaulting and seriously injuring another inmate, United States Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft announced today. The assault occurred in November 2017, when both Griesinger and the victim, identified only as J.B. in court records, were incarcerated at the Federal Correctional Institution in Greenville, Illinois. Griesinger pleaded guilty to the charge earlier this year.

During the proceedings, the district court heard evidence that Griesinger became upset because J.B. was watching TV on a particular television. Griesinger struck J.B. with his fists, and other inmates rushed in, resulting in a multiple inmate brawl. Correctional officers were able to break up the fight by spraying a mace-like substance. J.B. emerged with a broken jaw. No other inmate suffered any serious injuries

Griesinger was serving time for knowingly possessing a firearm with an obliterated serial number. His 46-month sentence was ordered to run consecutively to the sentence he is currently serving on that charge. Griesinger is now projected for release in early 2021.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Prisons’ Special Investigations Section. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Angela Scott.

PALESTINE, Ill. - The Crawford County Crimestoppers has authorized a $300 cash reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for breaking into and stealing an undetermined amount of alcohol and cash from the Saratoga Tavern in Palestine,  sometime between 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 16 and 9:00 a.m. Monday, Dec. 17, 2018.

Anyone with information may contact the Crimestoppers Hotline at 1-888-596-7867 which you do not have to give your name while making this call or by contacting Chief Jeff Besing thru the Crawford County Dispatch 546-1515 or Palestine Police Department at 586-2464.

ILLINOIS - Attorney General Lisa Madigan, along with 13 other attorneys general, moved to block the federal government’s new final rules that would deny millions of women and their families’ access to cost-free birth control by allowing employers to interfere with their healthcare decisions.  

The final rules, which are set to go into effect on January 14, 2019, would jeopardize the Affordable Care Act’s requirement that employers provide coverage of all 18 FDA-approved birth control methods and counseling for employees and their covered dependents with no out-of-pocket costs. To date, 62 million women across the country have benefited from these reproductive health services, including 2.5 million in Illinois.  

“A woman’s control of her own body and access to critical healthcare services should not be denied by the federal government or her employer,” Madigan said. “I am working with my colleagues around the country to block this effort by the federal government and protect women’s basic rights.” Madigan and the other attorneys general filed an amended complaint and a motion for preliminary injunction in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California in State of California, et al v. Alex Azar, II, et al. The action builds on the multistate coalition’s successful opposition to the federal government’s interim final rules. On December 21, 2017, the Northern District of California entered a nationwide preliminary injunction halting the implementation of the interim final rules. On December 13, 2018, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit upheld the lower court’s ruling.  

Joining Madigan in the filings are the attorneys general of California, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Maryland, Minnesota, New York, North Carolina, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia and Washington.

PALESTINE, Ill. - The Palestine Police Department has made an arrest in the burglary of the Saratoga Tavern that occurred early Monday morning.

As a result of Chief Jeff Besing’s investigation, Keagan B. Pittenger, 18 of Palestine, was arrested by Chief Besing and charged with Burglary, Class 2 felony, Theft over $500, Class 3 felony and Criminal Damage to Property, Class A misdemeanor.

Pittenger is currently in the Crawford County Jail awaiting bond to be set by a judge.

Additional arrests are anticipated as the investigation continues.

U.S. - At least a handful of Disclosure-haters in downstate Illinois are probably in withdrawal today since they don't have their obscene forum to slander our news organization, as Gannett/McClatchy unexpectedly pulled their reviled "news" forum topix from the worldwide web some time this week.

There's been no explanation for why the obscene site, which featured completely unmoderated forums that were a study in the legal definitions of slander, libel and defamation, just shut down. But any attempt to find it results in redirection to Patch.com, a viable news organization which we've written about in the past. If you've hung on to your recurring e-Edition membership, or if you have a Week Pass or want to get on (or even a Day Pass), you can read about our coverage of Patch's Joe Hosey from a few years back, Joe being a real journalist who, like us, has been targeted for his real coverage of stuff going on upstate.

Topix, unlike Patch, had a wide spread. The unmoderated forums could pop up for any zip code and for any topic, and most of it was dedicated to libel, not of public officials, but of private individuals (which is the definition of defamation), a lot of it without the knowledge of the victim, since topix generally had ones of readers in any local and was basically the last refuge of the mentally deficient and intensely petty. Over the years, we tracked the main offenders who dissed our publication down to about four: Roy Finley, Susan Feldhake, Jan (Peyton-Mills-Burno-whatever) and Eric Gregg, although they were infrequently joined in their anti-Disclosure angst by such folks as former Marion police chief John Eibeck and then there's always Brian James O'Neill, the latter of which we just won't even go into here.

Topix has been around for well over a decade and devolved into the crudest of forums, ultimately being sued a few years ago after an attorney in Texas successfully won a defamation claim against the company. Burno, mentioned above, attempted such a thing in 2014 but did it backwards, not suing topix for what THEY allowed, but instead going after certain individuals she suspected were slandering her instead of forcing topix to give it up, all in the effort to prove Disclosure was behind it. All that came of it was that Burno's suit turned up nothing of the sort, and she was unable to track anything back to Disclosure...mainly because we never posted on topix. In fact, since 2011, it was a condition of employment with this publication that an employee must not post on topix (which is why Finley went nuts, as he was a stringer here for awhile but couldn't resist posting his arrogant rants on the topix forums). Type "Burno" in the search field and see the returns; guaranteed they are highly amusing and interesting reading.

Burno (as well as the aforementioned and those of their ilk) is going to be hard-pressed to continue her slanderous rants now that topix is gone and Patch has no such forum.

We attempted to find out what happened that got topix pulled, as well as when, exactly (since we don't get on topix, we had to be told by a correspondent), but of course, as is the standard with such unctuous sites, there's no way to contact anyone to issue a query.

No matter. The world is better off without them.

WILLIAMSON CO., Ill. – An old guy getting in trouble over an alleged threat of a public official, a chick named Trinket, and a whole host of other folks round out a big, fat FELONY FRIDAY…so let’s get started!

Felonies Filed

James F. Dodd, 73 of Carbondale, is charged with one count of Threatening a Public Official.

Jonathan A. Hood, 23 of Marion, is charged with False Report of Offense.

Louise E. Pearson, 41 of Herrin, is charged with Possession of Methamphetamine less 5 grams.

Dustin R. Bean, 38 of Mt. Vernon, is charged with Theft/Disposal of Merchandise under $300/previous convictions.

Trinket M. Jones, 43 of West Frankfort, is charged with Possession of Methamphetamine less than 5 grams.

Justin D. Wolaver, 37 of Marion, is charged with Methamphetamine Delivery more than 5 grams and Felony Possession/Use Firearm with priors.

Charles E. Williams, 36 of West Frankfort, is charged with Unlawful Restraint and 2 misdemeanor counts of Domestic Battery/Physical Contact.

Robert J. Davis 48 of Johnston City is charged with Manufacture/Delivery of Cocaine analog between 15 and 100 grams, Resisting, and Meth Delivery less than 5 grams.

Adam D. Duncan, 26 of Herrin, is charged with Theft Control/Knowingly Deprive between $500 and $10,000.

Dailey L. Williams, 24 of Marion, is charged with Theft of a Shopping cart under $300/previously convicted

Phillip Lynn Bowles, 43 of Marion, is charged with Theft/Control Under $500 with prior

Felony Dispositions

Richard L. Komasinski, 49 of Marion, Domestic Battery/other prior dismissed Nolle Prosequi .

Richard D. Colbroth, 26 of Creal Springs, plead not guilty to Possession of Methamphetamine, Dismissed on State’s Motion. He plead guilty to another charge of Felon in Possession of a Firearm/Weapon and received 4 years in DOC concurrent and 26 days credit for time served.

Megan D. Hiller, 21 of Johnston City, plead not guilty to Possession of Methamphetamine more than 5 grams. Dismissed on State’s Motion; she plead guilty to second charge of Possession of Methamphetamine more than 5 grams. Judgment withheld; she received 24 months probation, 14 days in jail with credit for time served, 30 hours community service, drug treatment and fines.

Traci J. Wright, 47 of Marion, offered no plea to Theft/Control Intent between $10,000 and $100,000. She plead guilty to an additional charge of Theft/Control/Intent between $500 and $10,000. Sentencing in February.

Benjamin D. Murphy, 33 of West Frankfort, plead not guilty to Possession of a Controlled Substance/Penal Institution; Dismissed on State’s Motion. Added charge Possession of an Amount of Controlled Substance Except (A)/(D), judgment withheld He received 24 months probation, 30 hours public service, drug treatment and fines.

Breanna Maldonado, 22 of Aurora, plead not guilty to Forgery/Deliver/Issue Document. She was found guilty and received 18 months conditional discharge, 55days in jail with credit for time served, restitution and fines.

Laci A. Carter, 23 of Herrin, plead guilty to Possession of an Amount of Controlled Substance Except (A)/(D). Judgment withheld, she received 24 months probation,3 days in jail with credit for time served, 30 hours public service and drug treatment and costs only. Terminate Unsatisfied

Chartez D. Phillips, 21 of Carterville, plead not guilty to one count Use Forged Credit/Debit Card. He was found guilty and received 30 months conditional discharge, 55 days in jail with credit for time served and fines. He plead not guilty to Count 2; it was dismissed. He plead guilty to Count 3Forgery/Make/Alter Document. He plead not guilty to Count 4; same charges dismissed. He plead not guilty to Count 5 misdemeanor to Retail Theft/Disposal of Merchandise; Dismissed/State Motion

Deangelo M. Gray, 22 of Murphysboro, plead not guilty to Theft/Stolen/Intent between $500 and $10,000. He was found guilty and received 30 months probation, 25 days in jail with credit for time served, restitution and fines. Codefendant Chartez D. Phillips, 21 of Carbondale, plead guilty to Theft/Stolen/Intent between $500 and $10,000; he received 30 months probation, 54 days in jail with credit for time served and fines.

MARION CO., Ill. - A man from Terre Haute, Ind., and a woman from Iuka were involved in a two-vehicle accident earlier today, reports Illinois State Police.

ISP said the two-vehicle accident occurred at 5:45 p.m. this evening, Friday, December 21.

At that time, a 2016 Ford Escape being driven by Oral Deckard, 64, of Terre Haute, was following a 2018 Toyota Highlander being driven by Michelle Linder, 52, of Iuka, westbound on U.S. 50 near Underpass Road in Marion County.

Linder was yielding to traffic to make a left turn. Deckard did not slow down in time and rear-ended Linder's vehicle.

Deckard was transported to Salem Township Hospital by United Medical Response with minor injuries. He was later cited for Failure to Reduce Speed to Avoid an Accident.

MARION, Ill. - On December 21, 2018 at approximately 4:25 a.m., the Marion Verizon Wireless had a burglary occur with numerous Apple products being stolen. 

One suspect has been taken into custody at this time by Paducah Police Department with Verizon property being recovered.

Shown here is surveillance video from Pilot Truck Stop in Paducah, Kentucky, of an additional suspect wearing a white jacket with a camo hood. The Hispanic male is being sought by the Marion Police Department in regards to the business burglary.

Anyone with information in regards to the identity or location of the suspect, please call the Marion Police Department or local Agency.  

MARION, Ill. - A Marion man featured in the pages of Disclosure over the years after being involved in alleged bank fraud and cocaine use/trafficking has died, and a number of folks are expressing their concerns over the timing of his death.

Ryan Hughes, who has been featured in the articles shown at the hotlink on his name (many requiring a e-Edition subscription), died while at Herrin Hospital early Friday morning, December 21.

Hughes had been in and out of various hospitals and rehabs since a "fall" at his home in the Kokopelli neighborhood of Marion a year ago; we covered the matter in an article earlier this year.

Hughes, report associates of his, had been improving since that time and wasn’t expected to die.

These associates also note that Hughes had just turned 45 on December 10, an age at which his inheritance kicked in, this having been left by his late father, funeral home owner Larry Hughes.

The associates have also stated that Thursday, December 20, was the last day public aid paid for Hughes' nursing home stay at this facility.

These could be mere coincidences...but Hughes' associates don't think so.

However, whether anyone will ever look into these "coincidences" is kind of a foregone conclusion, which is to say...they won't.

MARION, Ill. - What's the Marion Police Department been up to this past week...? Let's take a look at the latest police department report to see!

Debra Martin, 64 of West Frankfort, has been arrested for Manufacture/Delivery of Cannabis on December 17.

 counts of Delivery of Methamphetamines, Aggravated Delivery of Methamphetamines Protected by a Firearm, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Felon, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Possession of Cannabis with Intent to Deliver in the area of Reeves St on December 17.

Robert Davis, 48 of Johnston City, has been arrested for Resisting a Police Officer, Manufacture/Delivery of a Controlled Substance and Aggravated Battery of a Police Office on December 18.

Bobby Whitledge, 67 of Marion, has been arrested for Domestic Battery in the area of W DeYoung St on December 19.

Amy Ward has been arrested for Disorderly Conduct in the 1800 block of Bittle Place on December 19.

Eddie Webb, 31 of Marion has been issued a citation for Retail Theft at Menard’s on December 19.

Alexis Melville, 34 of Marion has been arrested for Driving Under the Influence, Endangering the Life/Health of a Child, Possession of Cannabis and Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Deliver on December 21, in the area of Vicksburg St and Prairie St.

Shannon Beers, 36 of West Frankfort has been arrested for two counts of Retail Theft on December 21, at Mach One Station and Wal-Mart Supercenter.

Annual Youth Hunt is January 20-21, 2019 in Fulton County

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Youth interested in participating in the annual Central Illinois Youth Goose Hunt, sponsored by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), may register now for the hunt scheduled for January 20-21, 2019.

To register for a drawing to participate in the hunt, youth hunters must phone in to the IDNR at 217-785-8060 by the registration deadline of Friday, December 28.

The youth goose hunt will be held at private waterfowl hunting clubs in the Canton area in Fulton County.

A lottery drawing involving all youth who phone in to register will be conducted on January 2, 2019, and youth hunters selected will be notified by mail. First-time applicants will be given a priority over previous participants in the drawing.

The hunt is open to youth ages 10-17 at the time of the hunt. All applicants must possess a valid Illinois hunting or sportsman's license, have a Harvest Information Program (HIP) registration number, and have a 20 gauge or larger shotgun. Youth hunt participants must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who must possess a valid firearm owner's identification (FOID) card.

To register for the hunt or for more information, call 217-785-8060

(StatePoint) Decorated veteran Justin Minyard struggled for years with chronic back pain. And though his prescribed opioids provided only minimal relief, he developed a dependency on them. Unfortunately, such circumstances are common, as a growing number of patients are struggling with a choice between addictive pills or the thought of living with debilitating pain.

The American Chronic Pain Association found that one in three Americans suffers from chronic pain, pain that persists for months and sometimes years. As the number one cause of disability in adults in the U.S., chronic pain costs as much as $635 billion yearly, more than the cost of cancer, heart disease or diabetes. What’s more, chronic pain is often treated with opioid pain pills, which are highly addictive and result in 115 overdose deaths in the U.S. per day.

Minyard initially sustained back injuries while serving as a 9/11 first responder, and injuries during two tours of service in Afghanistan and Iraq further damaged his spine, rupturing multiple discs.

“When I returned home, I needed a wheelchair and I developed an opioid addiction from my treatment, which severely impacted my life and the lives of my entire family,” says Minyard. “While surgery got me out of a wheelchair, the pain persisted until I found an alternative treatment option called spinal cord stimulation.”

Spinal cord stimulation (SCS), an FDA-approved, drug-free treatment option, is a surgically implanted medical device that has helped patients manage their chronic pain without addictive pain pills for over 40 years. Most commonly used to treat low back and lower extremity pain, SCS sends electrical pulses that stimulate the spinal cord, masking the pain message traveling to the brain.

Recent technology advances have allowed SCS systems to offer more precise and personalized treatment that better targets individual pain. In particular, the Spectra WaveWriter SCS System from Boston Scientific is the first and only system to simultaneously provide pain relief with a light tingling sensation (paresthesia-based therapy) or without that sensation (sub-perception therapy). Patients like Minyard can choose to combine both therapies to target one specific area of pain or use each as needed to best manage multiple areas of pain. Using a remote control, patients provide real-time feedback for personalized, targeted pain management.

“The flexibility in this treatment has the ability to offer patients successful therapy that other forms of pain management cannot,” says Dr. Louis Raso, a pain specialist at The Pain Center in Jupiter, Florida, who recommended a trial of the Spectra WaveWriter SCS system to Minyard. “When patients take real-time control of their therapy, they can better manage their pain across multiple areas of the body.”

Minyard, who has been off opioid pain medication since his first SCS system implant over eight-and-a-half years ago, has noticed a significant improvement in managing his pain with the latest technology and is encouraging all chronic pain patients to talk to their doctors about therapeutic alternatives to addictive painkillers.

To learn more about SCS and chronic pain, visit controlyourpain.com, a resource from Boston Scientific, who sponsored this message.

At a time when opioid abuse has reached epidemic proportions, having a greater understanding of alternative treatment options for chronic pain is critical for doctors, patients and their families.

VANDERBURGH CO., Ind. – Illinois State Police alerted area police last night that they were looking for a 2017 Nissan Murano driven by Victor Manuel Serrano, 39, of Wilmington, Delaware.

Serrano was wanted out of Illinois for aggravated domestic battery.

At approximately 8:20 p.m., Trooper Chase Eaton observed the vehicle and attempted to stop it on I-64 at SR 65. Serrano failed to stop and continued east on I-64 at speeds in excess of 100 mph. Serrano’s vehicle struck stop sticks that were deployed at the 20 mile-marker, but the vehicle continued east before exiting the interstate onto US 41 south and then west onto Rusher Creek. Serrano pulled into a truck parking lot and then crashed into another trooper’s patrol car before exiting his vehicle and fleeing on foot.

Serrano had to be TASERed before taken into custody. Serrano was taken to the Vanderburgh County Jail where he is currently being held without bond.

Arrested and Charges:
• Victor Manuel Serrano, 39, Wilmington, Del.
1. Resisting Law Enforcement, Class 6 Felony
2. Resisting Law Enforcement, Class A Misdemeanor
3. Reckless Driving, Class B Misdemeanor
4. Leaving the Scene of a Crash, Class B Misdemeanor
5. Felony Warrant for Kidnapping and Aggravated Battery (Illinois)
Arresting Officer: Trooper Chase Eaton, Indiana State Police
Assisting Troopers: Trooper Zackary Fulton, Trooper Taylor Fox, Trooper Jonathan Lukeman, Trooper Brandon Deig, Trooper Hunter Manning and Trooper Casey Boeckman.
Assisting Agencies: Posey County Sheriff’s Department, Gibson County Sheriff’s Department and Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Department

WABASH CO., Ill. - On December 18 at 11:26 a.m., the Wabash County Sheriff's Office responded to a residence on E 1100 Road in reference to a 911 hang up call. Sheriff Morgan and Deputy Kimmel responded and spoke with the caller. After quite some time it was determined an argument had taken place. The parties were separated at that time.  

At 1:11 p.m the Wabash County Sheriff's Office received a report of another verbal domestic at a residence on Friendsville Ave. and the two parties from E 1100 Rd. were named as being involved. While en route to the residence, the caller advised both had left headed towards Mt. Carmel. Another 911 call came in from a motorist who advised a black Cadillac was cutting off a Lincoln Navigator and stopping the Navigator on Friendsville Ave. This happened into two different places.  

,The Sheriff's Office along with units from Mt. Carmel Police Department stopped the Cadillac on College Drive in Mt. Carmel. Based upon roadside interviews 31-year-old Michael R. Dean of Mt. Carmel was taken into custody on a preliminary charge of domestic battery. Dean was taken to the Wabash County Jail where bond was later set at $1000 cash. Dean posted bond and was released form the Wabash County Jail.

(StatePoint) In this high-tech era where a college degree is positioned as a necessity for success, vocational education is often overlooked. But experts say that a vocational education provides the right experience for many jobs that are currently vacant.

Indeed, there are 30 million jobs nationwide that don’t require a Bachelor’s Degree that pay an average of $55,000 annually, according to the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce.

Whether it’s a student that doesn’t fit the traditional high school-to-college path or someone who is interested in mechanics, a vocational education can prepare that individual for a well-paying, real-world career right out of high school. Indeed, many students learn from industry professionals and participate in internships and other unique programs that serve as a springboard to careers after they graduate.

For example, over the last two decades, derelict farm equipment has provided high school-aged students with the tools they need for life through the Chevron’s Delo Tractor Restoration Competition, an annual event that is open to high school-aged tractor restorers. The program provides a national platform for students interested in careers in agriculture or diesel mechanics on which to shine, mixing the hands-on vocational experience of restoring an antique tractor with the business skills needed to detail, manage and communicate the process. On top of valuable experience and national exposure at industry events, the Delo Grand Champion receives a $10,000 prize.

The process of restoring an antique tractor to like-new condition involves commitment, determination, teamwork, project management, budgeting, planning and even a little marketing. It’s a very hands-on experience and those familiar with the program say that participants come out prepared for the real world.

“I can’t count the number of kids that have been exposed to excellent career opportunities through this program,” says Rick Elmore, career and technology education coordinator at Dubiski Career High School. “I have been an advisor and mentor to participants in the competition for over a decade and have seen the impact it can have on their lives.”

Indeed, many participants have gone on to careers in mechanics, or have used the experience to launch them into careers outside of agriculture or mechanics.

“The vocational aspects of the Delo event provided critical context that led to my study of automotive restoration at McPherson College,” says Tabetha Salsbury Hammer, two-time competition winner (‘03 and ‘04) and the first female to win the event. “The business skills helped prepare me for a career in the classic car industry. To say this event changed my life would be an understatement.”

For those interested in a vocational education, such programs abound, representing a number of industries and careers. It’s only a matter of learning more about these opportunities.

So, whether you have an aptitude for mechanics or you are not sure if a traditional four-year college degree is the right path for you, visiting the career center at your school as well as looking into vocational internships, programs and competitions, can expand your horizons about what’s possible for your future.

MARION, Ill. - Attorneys for the struggling tenants at Marion's Illinois Star Centre Mall were mum during Tuesday's hearing - if they were indeed present in court at all - and the tenants lost big time as the judge in the federal case sided with the mall's owners.

At the hearing Tuesday (December 18) in the federal court in East St. Louis, the federal judge ruled in favor of the mall, allowing owners to begin vacating unexpired leases of the tenants...meaning that the mall can boot out viable businesses, not something that's good for anyone.

At the brief hearing, the mall's attorney (Robert Eggmann) noted that none of the mall's tenants were objecting to the motion calling for the vacating. Why, however, is the odd part, as it's come to the attention of our correspondent that the remaining tenants are definitely distressed about the situation.

"The mall didn’t just give us a 30-day letter to be out before Christmas," a tenant advised; "now they are giving letters saying that we owe big amounts in rent. They came by with one (for our store) saying that I owed over $12,000 in rent all the way back to July of 2017. Do they think that their checks are not in my bank statements and I am that stupid???"

The tenant advised that there were definite problems for remaining tenants as regards utilities for their businesses. This followed Eggmann's statement during court that "tenants won't be forced out of the mall, but would be required to cover utilities for their space."

Apparently, Eggmann and the mall have a funny way of terming things, as there are lots of different ways to "force" tenants out.

More to come...be watching.

Had to take a few days off for Ang's treatment. Won't know how well it did for a couple of weeks.

We apologize for the abruption, which we advised you of last week in this post. Happily, there were on difficulties with e-Edition access, and because it was over the holiday, there was little going on.

However, we do have material to bring to you today, and we're right back at it, so be watching for it.

FLORA, Ill. - Flora's Police Chief Guye Durre has submitted the departmental report for city police covering the pre-holiday time frame, and it appears some out-of-area folks have been busy trying to make things difficult for Flora residents.

It starts on Tuesday, December 18 at 12:34 am, Flora Police arrested Lauren Barlett, 30, of Orlando, FL on a Failure to Appear Warrant out of Clay County and for Driving While License Suspended, following a traffic stop on South Main Street. Bartlett was taken to Flora Police Department for booking. She posted the necessary cash bond and was released with a Notice to Appear.

Tuesday, December 18 at 8:48 pm, Kyle Broz, 23, of Louisville was arrested by Flora Police on a Contempt of Court Warrant for Clay County. Broz posted the necessary cash bond at Flora Police Department and was released with a court date.

Wednesday, December 19 at 8:44 pm, Bailey Enlow was issued a Citation for Operating
Uninsured Vehicle, following a traffic stop in the 1400 block of North Worthey.

Thursday, December 20 at 3:22 pm, after a joint investigation, involving Flora Police Department and Clay County Sheriff’s Office, Kenneth Pittaluga, 37 and Lina Fernandez, 31, both of Louisville, KY were arrested for Use of Counterfeit Credit/Debit Cards, following an incident in the 1500 block of North Worthey. Pittaluga and Fernandez underwent booking at Flora Police Department prior to being transferred to the custody of Clay County Sheriff’s Office.

Friday, December 21 at 11:50 am, Flora Police arrested Derik London, 24, of Flora on a Clay County Warrant, following a traffic stop in Hwy 50. London was transported to Flora Police Department, where he posted the necessary cash bond and was released.

Friday, December 21 at 6:40 pm, following a joint            investigation by Flora Police Department and Clay County State’s Attorney Curtis Holtzinger, 27, of Flora was arrested on a Clay County Warrant for Aggravated Battery to a Child Under the age of 13 with Bodily Harm. The charges stem from an incident in the 800 block of Meadowview on December 5, 2018. Holtzinger was taken to Flora Police Department for booking process and then transferred to Clay County Jail.

Saturday, December 22, Avery McKinney, 23, of Fairfield was issued a Citation for Disobeying a Traffic Control Device, following a traffic stop at the intersection of Main and North Avenue.

FRANKLIN CO., Ill. - An arrest has been made of a Benton man charged with counts relating to alleged sexual activity with children.

Franklin County authorities said that on December 22, 2018, deputies arrested Quinton C. Wilson, 31, of Benton at his residence.

Wilson has been charged with Grooming, a Class 4 felony, and Child Pornography, a Class 1 felony.

Detectives served a search warrant at Wilson’s residence this morning and Franklin authorities note that the investigation is ongoing.

Our sources are advising that at one point in time (if not recently; we're still working on obtaining that information), Wilson had been employed in some capacity by Lutheran Social Services...one of those agencies that the Department of Children and Family Service (DCFS) feeds children into during those rare moments when DCFS wants to appear as though they're doing their job.

Wilson is currently being held in the Franklin County jail in lieu of $100,000 bail.